I could tell very early in our discourse that you have been involved in many aspect of the industry. I hope you are wrong about the future of the industry. I think everyone in this thread agrees the biggest problem for horse racing is the demographic. We need new young blood and are not getting enough of it. I have done many types of gambling and there is nothing more exciting then the horses. The problem is from a gambling perspective horse racing is so tough to not just beat but just to avoid getting smashed. Every other type of gambling I do I enter the arena with a hope and viable expectation of winning. Of course I know I can lose, but when I play poker, table games, video poker, sports, I always feel I have a very realistic shot. Of course I lose as often as I win but both options are very possible. When I go to the track for a day or weekend I always have a good time and am happy when I head back home if I don't get absolutely assaulted at the windows If I win anything significant on a typical day at the track I am truly shocked. I look at horseracing almost like entertainment I pay to enjoy when other forms of gambling are entertainment where it's 50-50 I win or lose. Between the complex nature of handicapping and the extremely high track takeout new blood very often has a very difficult time and gets discouraged and quits playing quickly.
I'm editing my post to add a comment to the previous poster. Very good and entertaining read bigdaddy. You are right that winning is not the reason the new blood stays in the game, that's a major reason the amount of hard core fans diminishes. Many people do not have your or my perspective. Thanks for joining the discussion